How We Work

If you have been a victim of a violent crime, or are a survivor with a loved one who has been a victim, we want to help.

Be aware that every case we handle requires a police report with it before we can initiate a case. That means we cannot handle cases that have not been reported. If you aren’t sure how to obtain a report, we will advise you.

What Victim Advocates Do

Provide immediate crisis intervention and assessment of the victim’s needs and implement an appropriate plan of action.

Provide one-on-one support to victims throughout the legal process of the perpetrator’s arrest, conviction, sentencing and parole.

Accompanying victims to court at all pretrial hearing, trials, depositions, meetings with prosecutors and injunction hearings.

Educate victims regarding their rights as a victim of crime and criminal justice proceedings

Help victims apply for victim compensation from the state.

Help write and present victim impact statements at sentencing.

Intervention with landlords when necessary for moving to a safe location.

Help with safety planning

Act as a liaison between victims and prosecutors, law enforcement, and the media.

How to Receive Assistance from a Justice Coalition Victim Advocate

Make sure you have filed a police report, then download the Victim Information Sheet PDF, fill it out and bring it with you to your first appointment at Justice Coalition. Only you victim advocate will see it. All information will remain confidential.

What Does Florida Law Provide for Victims?

Florida Law provides guidelines for the fair treatment of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems. It authorizes a direct-support organization to assist victims of adult and juvenile crime. It provides victims the opportunity to have a defendant tested for HIV if there was a transmission of body fluids during the crime. It also designates a Victims Compensation Trust Fund to assist victims of violent personal crimes to pay for stipulated expenses they incur as a result of the crime.

Florida Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights

Victims of crime or their lawful representatives, including the next of kin of homicide victims, are entitled to the right to be informed, to be present, and to be heard when relevant, at all crucial stages of criminal proceedings, to the extent that these rights do not interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused.